Health Library

What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is when 1 or more of the organs inside the pelvis (found between the waist and thighs), slip from their normal positions. Normally, muscles and tissues in the pelvic region support the pelvic organs and hold them in place.

A Normal Pelvis

A. The small intestine absorbs nutrients from food.

B. The bladder collects and holds urine.

C. The pubic bone helps protect the pelvic organs.

D. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body.

E. The pelvic floor muscles support organs and other structures in the pelvis.

F. The uterus is where the baby develops when a women is pregnant.

G. The vagina is the canal from the uterus to the outside of the body.

H. The rectum stores stool until a bowel movement occurs.

What Causes Prolapse?

Vaginal childbirth

Hormonal changes that occur with menopause

Constant coughing (such as with bronchitis or smoking)

Heavy lifting

Chronic straining (such as with constipation)

Being overweight

Symptoms of Prolapse

A feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis

A sense that a “ball” or lump is protruding from the vagina

Problems passing urine or having a bowel movement

Urine leakage when you cough or use stairs. (But this can happen even without prolapse.)